jshillin

iTrader: (1)

I bought my '08 4.6 for the reasons you mentioned. So far, I can't complain for a second. I had to put a brake calipers on it when I changed the brake pads and rotors.

DrGriffin

It seems a lot of the money pits have the 5.4.
I have a 2004 STX with 4.6 and love it. Yeah it is a bit doggy compared to its bigger engined siblings, but if you have the correct expectations of it, it won't let you down. Very few of the early 4.6's had a spark plug backing out issue. I read it was a torque issue. Revised torque numbers were released after the issue started arising. I haven't had any issues with mine. Normal maintenance and the 4.6 will treat you right. I'm sure you can say that for some of the 5.4's as well.

2008__XL

A truck with the 4.6 would be fine. I wouldn't get scared away by a few guys saying they've had every problem out there. It's mainly the 5.4 that'll have issues.

If you live in an area that gets salt on the road, the super crew trucks may end up with cab corner rust.

Get a super cab with a 4.6.

I cannot say this generation is unreliable. I've had my 08 since new, 108k miles and it's never had an issue.